Stitching Creativity: How to Teach Sewing to Art Students

Here’s some ideas for how to teach sewing to art students. Sewing is a skill that fosters creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Teaching sewing to art students can be a rewarding experience that introduces them to the world of textiles and encourages their artistic expression. I will share how to effectively teach 3 sewing techniques such as the back stitch, baseball stitch, and running stitch, as well as essential skills like tying a knot, threading a needle, and managing sewing supplies.

Threading the Needle

Start with the basics. I invested in needle threaders for my students. They are relatively cheap, and it saves my students time, as well as my time! Plus, no more slobbery thread to touch. I demonstrate the process of using the threader every class period, as it can be confusing at first. Once the needle is threaded, I show them how to tie a knot on the other end.

Tying a Knot

I teach my students how to tie a secure knot at the end of the thread by demonstrating a few different techniques. The first technique I show is to wrap the thread around my finger and use my thumb to roll it off. I call it the “wrap and roll”. With a fun little name, it is easier to remember the steps. The loop method or the double knot method can also be taught. I demonstrate the knot I want them to use at least 3 times before allowing my students to give it a try. Call and response works great or I ask them to walk me through the steps. Now we are ready for stitching.

Running Stitch

I begin demonstrating the most basic hand stitch first, the running stitch. I describe it as a dashed line. Then I demonstrate how to create even stitches by pushing the needle up through the fabric and and down to make a stitch. I stress the importance of creating a consistent length for each stitch. Lastly, I pull very hard to demonstrate the importance of tension for a neat finish. This stitch is perfect for adding fabric together, such as applique.

Back Stitch

The back stitch is ideal for creating a strong stitch or creating a line. I show my students how to start with a running stitch and then fill in the space with a stitch by going backwards. Next, push the needle up past the last stitch and push the needle down through the end of the last stitch. Lastly, I guide them in overlapping each stitch with the previous one to create one continuous line.

examples of sewing and stitching art lesson for art students — Student examples from my Ugly Dolls Sewing and Stitching lesson.

Baseball Stitch

Lastly, I introduce the baseball stitch, also known as the blanket stitch. This stitch creates a raised, looped edge that is perfect for embellishing edges or joining fabric pieces. I demonstrate how to anchor the thread and create evenly spaced loops that spiral around the edge of the fabric. We use this stitch when we are creating our “Ugly Dolls”. Colorful thread is used to sew the front and back pieces together. My students use thread that does not match the felt, to add some visible interest.

My Ugly Dolls Stitching lesson plan is available here.

Managing Sewing Supplies

I think it is important to teach students how to keep these small tools organized for cost and safety reasons. It is crucial to have a system in place, and know my students understand the expectations and proper care for sewing supplies. I keep needles and threaders accounted for. I use a magnet for each table. Each magnet has 4 needles and a threader “stuck” to it. The magnets are returned to my whiteboard at the end of class and placed on a paper diagram of the tables in my classroom. I look at each drawn table and know exactly where who has missing needles or threaders. I like to keep the other supplies such as scissors, fabric glue, and chalk in caddies to keep them neatly organized and ensure easy access and clean up.

Teaching sewing to art students is an opportunity to nurture their creativity and introduce them to a valuable life skill. By patiently guiding them through techniques like threading a needle, tying a knot, and mastering various stitches, I empower students to explore the endless possibilities of textile art. With practice and perseverance, they’ll soon be stitching their way to beautiful creations.

Sew happy to share my tips, Trista

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I’ve been teaching art for over 20 years and I love it!

I have taught every grade from kindergarten to high school. This site features art education articles with art resources and ideas as well as art lesson ideas for all ages. My goal is to allow students to explore a variety of art materials, discover different genres and styles, and most importantly, have FUN!